The new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Muazu, on Monday described the festering crisis in the party as a storm in a tea cup, in what analysts see as an attempt to trivilise the crisis in the ruling party.
In his acceptance speech shortly after he was unveiled as the new party chairman, Muazu said with his selection, the PDP had proven to the world that it had discovered an instant cure for what looked like a terminal disease afflicting the party.
Muazu however, admitted that all is not well with the ruling party, adding that any political party of the size of the PDP is bound to face challenges from time to time. “I have helplessly watched the dwindling fortunes of our party from 2003 to date. From controlling a record 28 states in 1999 to 23 states currently.
“This situation is unacceptable and must change. I do not claim to have the monopoly of wisdom to turn around the dwindling fortunes of the PDP. The party will regain its lost glory in record time and remain the toast of the Nigerian people once again.
“In this connection, in the coming weeks and months, we will engage in sweeping reforms in the administration of the party to bring it in tandem with global best practices.
“We will do everything possible to ensure the supremacy of the party under my chairmanship. In this connection, I will plead and appeal to the Executive Governors who have tremendous roles to play to join hands with me in ensuring the actualisation of the supremacy of the party.
“The supremacy of the party will guarantee internal party discipline, credibility and electoral victories. We therefore cannot compromise on these.”
Muazu’s emergence followed a motion moved by the Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, who succeeded Muazu as Governor of Bauchi State in 2007, after a two-term tenure of eight years.
The motion was seconded by Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, consequent upon which the meeting unanimously approved his selection.
Yuguda, however, admitted that there was indeed friction between him and Muazu, saying they have since resolved their differences, as they have been friends from childhood.
He described Muazu as a very intelligent, healthy and strong young man who has what it takes to reposition the party and resolve the lingering crisis in the party.
“We know what is between us. I want to assure everyone here that Muazu is my friend and brother,” Yuguda said.